Few experiences are more frustrating than standing in a crowded bar, being repeatedly looked over and ignored by a bartender with an inflated sense of self-importance. Worse than making you feel insignificant and powerless, the activity extends sober time.

That's why -- with the help of Olie Berlic, chief mixologist at SideBar in New York -- we've come up with some effective ways to get noticed when you need to get your drink on. Berlic claims that a good bartender will have their eyes peeled and will already have a hunch about upcoming orders. Still, he says, it never hurts to:

1. Send the most attractive person at your table to get the drinks. If you come with a beautiful woman -- or guy -- it's never going to hurt to have them order. Even if a bartender is super busy, it can be hard not to do a double take when the right face is in front of you. A memorable look will bring a bartender your way and remind them when you've been there awhile, so put that hot friend to work.

2. Be confident, not pushy. Imagine people are waving and yelling at you all night. You'd probably try to ignore the overly aggressive folks for your own sanity. That's why throwing money doesn't work and neither does snapping your fingers or whistling. Take out a 20 or your credit card, put out your arm and look at them directly. Berlic stresses making eye contact. And even if you are annoyed, try not to look it -- nobody wants to serve a scowl.

More cocktail-acquiring tips after the jump.

3. If one spot isn't working, try another. Like a retiree at a Vegas slot machine, some people think that if they wait long enough in one spot, eventually the bartender with make their way over. It's only fair, right? Wrong. A bar isn't a democracy, and the bartender is under no obligation to serve customers in order. Start out in the middle and stay out of their blind spot. Surprisingly, they can't serve you if they don't see you.

4. Know what you want. Don't keep yelling out "Stoli and cranberry" if they're 20 feet away, but when a bartender gets to you in a crowded room, it's not the right time to ask them to rattle off the beers on tap. Check what's on the wall behind them and be clear about what you're ordering from the moment they get there. Hesitation is a step toward remaining parched.

5. Don't be shy about boxing out. Like a basketball player in the paint, you can subtly inch your way in among other people without their thinking you're trying to get ahead of them. Be assertive in making it known that you want to get in and get up front. Once you're in, though, you'll probably want to keep the elbows down, Barkley.

6. When you do get your order, leave a large (or at least decent) tip. This one would seem to be obvious, but even if it took you a long time to get through, it's not in your best interest to stiff the bartender. Ask anyone in the service industry -- people remember when they get tips that are below the mark, and customers get served accordingly. While it's standard to leave $1 extra for every drink you're served, try upping it a bit, and see if it pays off. If it helps you get a drink faster for your lady friend, it could pay off in ways you've never even imagined.

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